COEUR d'ALENE - There are reasons Sen. Mike Crapo likes ElderHelp of North Idaho.

It relies on volunteers.

It's successful

It helps people who really need help.

But there's one more, perhaps No. 1.

"Instead of going out and trying to get a federal grant or get the Legislature to create a new program or process, John just decided to solve a problem," Crapo said Friday morning. "And he's doing it. Elderhelp is making a huge difference in the lives of many, many seniors."

So much that for the second time within a year, John Corcoran received the Spirit of Idaho award from the senator during a brief ceremony attended by about 10 people in Resort Properties by the Lake on Sherman Avenue.

"I'm just a guy with an idea," Corcoran said. "It's really the volunteers who make this what it is."

Corcoran was honored with a certificate and flag that has flown over the state's Capitol "for creating the nonprofit that assists area senior citizens with everything from errands to heating their homes."

"They don't do it for money, they don't do it for fame, they don't do it for glory," Crapo said. "They do it because they're great people and they make Idaho a special place because of it."

Friday's presentation was just a way for the U.S. senator to say thanks.

"You have developed a way to help senior citizens, particularly with their home safety and dealing with the difficulties that come along with age and making their lives happier and better," he said.

Crapo started the Spirit of Idaho program about 10 years ago. He recalled that during a statewide tour, he continually spoke with people about life in Idaho. Most said they lived here for the quality of life.

And many of those people, including Corcoran and ElderHelp executive director Tom Lucas, are making Idaho a special place with their initiative and commitment on behalf of others.

"I think the best thing about Idaho is the people," Crapo said.

Josef Dreps, who volunteered with ElderHelp and received assistance from it, praised Corcoran and Lucas.

"Those two guys, Tom and John, are the guts of the thing," he said. "Each of those guys have given thousands of hours."

ElderHelp started in 2005 and has assisted hundreds of seniors through projects that include painting, plumbing cleaning, raking and roofing.

The organization, represented by Corcoran, was honored with the Spirit of Idaho Award in October 2010 for delivering firewood to the home of Heidy Baker of St. Maries, wife of World War II hero Vernon Baker, who passed away last year.

Corcoran, the only person to have received the award two times., insisted he was just a guy with an idea "and everybody gets behind it."

"It's a blessing," he said.

"Isn't that just typical, gives credit to everyone else, which is deserved," Crapo said, smiling. "Everyone here in the room is part of this."

"I can be a leader, but if I have no followers ..." Corcoran answered.